Updated - The 16-year-old suspect charged with murdering his step father Friday made his "First Appearance Hearing" in court Monday morning. Chief Judge Brenda Weaver cleared the court as the suspect is considered a minor at this time. It is expected that the court will order psychological evaluations during the hearing.

The case may be transfered to superior court during this hearing, removing the suspect's juvenile status.

Original story.

A 16-year-old Jasper juvenile male is charged with murder following the stabbing death of his step-father Friday in the Preserve at Sharp Mountain gated community.

Sheriff Donnie Craig said the juvenile stabbed his step-father with a sword, later identified as a “Dha” (similar to a samurai sword) following an argument over a relatively minor issue around midnight Friday. The deceased has been identified as Christopher Todd Allen, 36. The name of the suspect is being withheld.

The 16-year-old is in custody at the Juvenile Detention Center in Dalton. He was arrested at the scene after a relative called 911. The family was living in the basement of relatives’ house in the gated community.

Craig said the juvenile, a former PHS student being homeschooled currently, was not known to be troubled or have past issues based on the initial investigation.

Craig said he didn’t believe that the young man had any martial arts training. “They had a collection of replica (swords),” he said.

The step-father was found by deputies still alive with a large wound in his abdomen. He was transported by Pickens EMS to Kennestone where he died in surgery.

The young man was initially charged with aggravated assault, later changed to murder when his step-father died.

Comments

I think the boy shld get a long sentence. Chris did not deserve that and his family & friends should not being going through this. He was a kind hearted sweet friend. He will forever loved & missed but nvr forgotten.